A series of boundary changes have come into affect across Knowsley, with significant changes in Prescot and Whiston.

The move - which follows a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England - means a reduction in the number of councillors and wards in the borough.

Council leader Andy Moorhead

The new ward arrangements, which take effect in May, will bring a number of positive benefits to Knowsley

In Prescot and Whiston, it will mean the following new wards:

* Prescot North – made up of parts of the old Prescot East and Prescot West wards

* Prescot South – made up of parts of the old Prescot East and Whiston North wards

* Whiston and Cronton – made up of parts of the old Whiston North and Whiston South wards

Residents across the borough will receive letters explaining the changes later this week.

The number of electoral wards has been cut from 21 to 15, with the number of councillors reducing from 63 to 45.

The changes will take effect from May’s local elections.

Council leader Andy Moorhead said: “The new ward arrangements, which take effect in May, will bring a number of positive benefits to Knowsley.

“The changes will generate financial savings for the council. Given that our residents and workforce have been affected by the impact of the Government’s cuts, it is only right that savings are also found from our elected members.

“The new arrangements will also ensure that each councillor represents approximately the same number of voters and I believe this will promote effective local government.”